Air Pollution; UK Government Failing In Its Legal Duty

The Guardian has reported that the UK faces European fines because the EU Supreme Court says that it has failed in its legal duty to protect people from the harmful effects of air pollution.

ClientEarth who brought the claim used data from 16 cities and regions, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, which will continue to suffer from illegal levels of NO2, nitrogen dioxide for decades.

The group also claim that to reduce these levels - UK cities may have to ban cars and lorries.

The British government is probably going to be able to delay having to take any immediate actions – as the court also ruled that the European court of justice will have to step in to clarify some of the legal issues.

James Thornton, ClientEarth chief executive said:"This landmark decision … paves the way for the European commission to take legal action against the UK. The ruling marks a turning point in the fight for clean air and will pile the pressure on the environment secretary, Owen Paterson. He must now come up with an ambitious plan to protect people from carcinogenic diesel fumes. Until now, his only policy has been lobbying in Europe to try and weaken air pollution laws."